5 Reasons to Watch UFC Fight Nights 43 and 44

Strap yourself in: The UFC is coming at you with two events this weekend. So grab a case of a beer, fill up the chip bowl and light the grill, because it's going to be a long day.

First, on Fight Pass, we get an early (5 a.m. ET) card in America in the form of UFC Fight Night 43. Live from New Zealand, the card boasts local talent and some established veterans who are looking to cement their names.

Then on Fox Sports 1, UFC Fight Night 44 hits on Saturday night from San Antonio. Also with some top prospects on the card, the event has more star power and some interesting fights to keep you occupied starting at 10 p.m. ET.

Need five reasons to tune in? Let's take a look at why you should watch the UFC this weekend.

Prospects Galore

Tim Larsen/Associated Press

There may not be a bunch of the top stars in the world of MMA competing, but the future of the UFC will be on display on Saturday.

On the New Zealand card, most of the guys are little-known fighters who are looking to put their names on the map. With Robert Whittaker, Jake Matthews and Roldan Sangcha-an, among other, the event showcases international talents that are looking to introduce themselves formally to the UFC world.

Then, in San Antonio, a number of skilled fighters are debuting alongside established veterans. Anthony Hamilton, Carlos Diego Ferreira and Joe Ellenberger are just three of the handful of prospects who are looking to make their official entrance to the UFC.

Free TV (and a Subscription)

TIM LARSEN/Associated Press

I say it all the time. One of the biggest reasons to watch is because it's free. Well, at least UFC Fight Night 44 is, but if you have a subscription to Fight Pass, UFC Fight Night 43 comes with your monthly fee.

Sure, these events may not have box office names like Anderson Silva and Georges St-Pierre at the top of the card, but there are still plenty of potentially explosive fights. The no-name cards are usually the ones that deliver the most action.

So, be happy. You have nearly a full day of MMA enjoyment coming your way this weekend.